Brazen thugs threaten elderly woman during ‘heinous’ burglary
Two thugs have been accused of threatening to kill an elderly woman after storming her Bulleen home during an aggravated burglary. But the 81-year-old woman stood up to the pair.
Police & Courts
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Police are searching for two wig-wearing thugs after they allegedly stormed an elderly woman’s home as she slept and made threats to kill her.
Manningham Crime Investigation Unit detectives are investigating the “heinous” aggravated burglary at the woman’s Furneaux Grove property in Bulleen on December 30.
Senior Constable Simon Jacobs said the brave 81-year-old victim had recently lost her husband.
“The victim is very shaken up,” Sen Constable Jacobs said.
“She is struggling to come to terms with that loss.
“She is only just starting to readjust without her husband, trying to feel safe within her own home again.”
He said the crime, not believed to be targeted, had a “massive ripple effect” on the woman’s mental health.
The two assailants entered the house about 5am, saw the woman sleeping and then woke her up.
“These offenders came through, ransacked the other rooms, they saw first-hand a woman asleep in her bed, they chose to wake her up and make demands for cash and jewellery, and make threats,” Sen Constable Jacobs said.
“Who would do that?”
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The recently widowed woman refused to hand over her valuables but the two men left the property with her purse and handbag.
In the victim’s handbag were “sentimental” cards that belonged to her late husband.
The stolen credit cards have been used at service stations in Roxborough Park, Coolaroo, Broadmeadows and Campbellfield to buy gift cards and cigarettes.
The men are believed to have been travelling in a silver Mercedes Benz SLK350 or similar when they were using the credit cards.
Police also believe they were wearing wigs at the time of the purchases.
Investigators have appealed to the public for help identifying the two men, urging anyone with information to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or submit a confidential report at www.crimestoppersvic.com.au.